Published 5:30 am, Friday, September 5, 2008

Eric Winston's contract was set to expire after the 2008 season. He signed a 3-year deal after being taken with the second pick of the third round in 2006.

Eric Winston's contract was set to expire after the 2008 season. He signed a 3-year deal after being taken with the second pick of the third round in 2006.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Chronicle

Texans' Winston gets 5-year contract extension

1 / 1

Back to Gallery

Before the Texans left Houston today for Sunday’s opener at Pittsburgh, right tackle Eric Winston signed a five-year, $30 million contract extension.

His deal includes a $6 million signing bonus and $10 million in guarantees.

Winston, the second pick in the third round of the 2006 draft — 66th overall — initially signed a three-year contract that was due to expire after this season.

A Midland native who played at Miami, the 6-7, 315-pound Winston started seven games as a rookie and all 16 last year. He’s on the verge of being recognized as one of the best in the NFL at his position.

General manager Rick Smith, who negotiated the deal with agent Drew Rosenhaus, wanted to extend Winston before his contract expired after the season, which would have made him a restricted free agent